‘”For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'”
Jeremiah 29:11
Following the latest Community Connection working session on October 19, 2026, landscape architect Karen Sebastian and design builder and restoration contractor David Nauss provided annotated versions of their proposed landscape master plan for Newton Highlands Congregational Church, UCC.
Highlights of the plan included the following:
- A generous landing area outside the main entrance
- A series of walkways to ease the transition from the street to the main entrance
- A path to connect the front lawn to the side lawn
- Trees along Hartford Street to draw people’s eyes to the main entrance
- A sheltered circular memorial garden
- A gathering place for outdoor fellowship time
Thinking big, the consultants have also proposed a glass entry foyer for the Lincoln Street entrance that would make the entrance safer, provide a landing place for main floor activities, and offer a view into the lighted building.
